By

Share

Blog Roll

Living Planet's turtle survivor not intimidated by Shark Week

Jul 29th 2010

A green sea turtle attacked by a shark and then hit by a boat in the Florida Keys is the newest member of the Living Planet Aquarium family, yet optimistic despite upcoming 'Shark Spectacular' festivities.

According to a release from the aquarium, the turtle was rescued shortly after being hit by a boat and brought to The Turtle Hospital in Florida. After one year of care, the 40-pounder is still unable to fully submerge- pretty common among turtles hit by boats.

Unable to survive in the wild, the Living Planet took it in.

"We have to wait until it's more mature, but we're pretty sure it's a she," says PR director Angie Hyde. "We'll probably have a naming contest for the turtle pretty soon."

Weights have been added to its shell to help it submerge, and more weight will be added as the turtle grows bigger. The Turtle Hospital expects to receive more turtles this year, because of the oil spill in the Gulf Coast.

The Shark Spectacular festivities at the Living Planet do not intimidate the turtle. He or she isn't going to let the it bug him or her, regardless of any ill will it holds toward sharks.

The events start Aug. 1 at the aquarium to go along with the Discovery Channel's Shark Week programming.